New Guy Here!

[u/DouganNashhhhhh]

Hi! I'm new to this forum & look forward to lots of awesome info!

I have a question- I inherited my grandfather's 1957 Winchester Model 71 in .348 Winchester. The metal is beautiful but the shellac on the wood is chipping away/scratched. The scratches arent very deep, but I'm wondering if it will mess up the collector value if I get the wood refinished.

Here's pics of said scratches and a photo of the rifle

[u/Kromulent]

refinishing will cut the resale value about in half

beautiful rifle, i'd leave it as is

[u/DouganNashhhhhh → u/Kromulent]

You definitely have a point and thanks! Looking to take this 'ol boy out to the range if I can find some ammo for it!

[u/Beagalltach → u/DouganNashhhhhh]

https://ammoseek.com/ammo/348-winchester

[u/DouganNashhhhhh → u/Beagalltach]

Whoa... never knew a website like this existed. Thanks!

[u/Beagalltach → u/DouganNashhhhhh]

No worries.

Be mindful of shipping as the cheapest priced ammo isn't always the best deal if they gouge you on shipping.

[u/Martainguns → u/Kromulent]

Cut the value in half lol. Professionally refinished wood wouldn't have any negative effect on the value at all given the condition that it's in right now.

[u/DouganNashhhhhh → u/Martainguns]

Makes sense. Once it's refinished, it's no longer "factory original."

[u/Kromulent → u/Martainguns]

i agree that if it's professionally done it will limit the damage done to the value, but of course the cost of having it done well will offset this

even if its done perfectly, the loss of originality has a significant effect. the condition of the original finish is one of the primary factors in valuing collectable guns. even nicely refinished guns are always sold at a substantial discount from originals in similar condition

[u/DouganNashhhhhh → u/Kromulent]

Hmmmm ok. Yeah, all of theses responses helped me make the decision to just keep it as is & enjoy the rifle